Excursion!!!

Knitters are cordially invited to join me on an excursion to the Powerhouse Museum's Lace Study Centre:

Date: Friday 9th June 2006 (the day before World-Wide Knit In Public Day)

Where: Powerhouse Museum, Harris Street, Ultimo. (Map and transport directions here. The Museum is easily accessible from most places in the city.) Exact meeting location will be advised when you book with me.

What time: 12 noon to 1:30pm. Yes, workers of the world, this means you will have to take a long lunch. But it's a Friday, so that's expected. If anyone is interested, we can get a bite to eat at the Museum cafe afterwards and have a KIP.

Cost: $10 (this is the standard cost for museum entry. Concessions will apply if you are a student or pensioner, etc.) You will be entitled to visit the rest of the museum on the same day, if you like. Note that you will be paying this at the door on the way in. You will not be paying me.

What exactly: The Powerhouse Museum holds one of the best collections of lace in Australia. They've been collecting samples of all kinds of lace for more than 100 years, and their collection includes pieces dating as far back as the 16th century! There are about 300 pieces of lace that can be viewed by appointment only at the Lace Study Centre. I have asked that we view knitted lace primarily, but expect that other types of lace will be interesting to see as well. The idea here is not to gain a great deal of historical or technical knowledge (though that may be one result) - mainly I hope to marvel at the fine work, find some inspiration for my own clumsy attempts at two sticks + string, and pay hommage to the crafters of yore.

Background reading (not required, and no, there will not be a test on this later): Prepare your mind to delve into all the different facets of lace making by doing a little background reading! The Museum provides an Introduction, a Glossary, a Classification System (this will be particularly useful so you can understand what we're looking at on the day), and some additional resources.

Bookings: Places are strictly limited. The maximum group size is 8 people. The first 7 people who email me (address in the sidebar) will be considered confirmed bookings. (That is, please don't email me if you think it sounds interesting and might stop by. Only book with me if you really intend to come.) If more than 7 people want to go, I will keep a waiting list and notify the people on the list if/when someone cancels out.